Kimberly’s Review – Page 47

December 28, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Now That You Mention It
CHARACTERS: Nora Stuart
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.

With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.

But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Higgins is one of my go-to authors. She never disappoints and she didn’t with this one either.

Nora is having the worst day. I know we have all had those kind of days but this goes above and beyond what anyone has ever been through. First a vehicle accident that puts her in the hospital, when she wakes up her boyfriend is flirting with someone else and more. So Nora heads “home”. But she is not welcome there either. Talk about life being hard.

The characters in this story are enough to keep the reader laughing for more than half of the story. What a great read. As I started out you can’t be disappointed with a Higgins novel and this is a great one to start with if you haven’t read her before and if you have add it to the collection.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 27, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Can’t Forget You by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Can’t Forget You
SERIES #: Risking It All #3
CHARACTERS: Jessica & Mark
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE

Jessica Flynn can’t wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensual than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.

Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there’s something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he’s finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can’t help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he’s been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts OK this book hit really close to home. Why, you ask? Because I have recently reunited with my high-school sweetheart. Because of this I really found myself wanting to find out how things turned out.

It has been ten years since the young lovers were together and now they are back together after the same property. And yet Mark realizes there are more important things than property like getting an unexpected second chance.

The story felt real. That feeling of not knowing what to say the first time you see each other again. The emotional roller coaster of not knowing why you feel the attraction even after he hurt you. It was just so real and exactly what I needed to read right now.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 26, 2017December 25, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Season Of Miracles by Heather Graham

TITLE: A Season Of Miracles
CHARACTERS: Jillian & Robert
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Revisit a thrilling tale of second chance love in this classic Christmas romance by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham.

Centuries ago, in another lifetime, the man Jillian Llewellyn loved tried but failed to save her. Now, in this season of miracles, two lost souls are being given a second chance.

Since her husband’s death, jewelry designer Jillian Llewellyn has withdrawn, focusing only on her work. But something unimaginable is going to shatter her safe world, drawing her into a web of danger and desire. At the center of the storm is a handsome stranger, Robert Marston. The new silent partner at Llewellyn Enterprises, Marston is as formidable as he is intimidating…as mysterious as he is familiar. The connection she feels is bone deep–as if they’ve known each other before.

When several bizarre accidents strike Jillian, a chilling fear that someone wants to harm her begins to grow. But who would want her dead? A co-worker? A member of her own close-knit family? Against her will she is drawn to Robert, unsure whether he is her salvation…or her damnation. Now, as the ghosts of the past are resurrected, Jillian and Robert must forge a new destiny as they unlock the timeless secrets of passion and betrayal. At Christmas time, anything is possible…if you believe.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2002 under Shannon Drake. I enjoyed this story but you can tell this was the earlier days of Drake/Graham.

I enjoyed the story for the most part. It is a bit different which is what kept me reading it but it was also a bit slow. The middle was what kept my interest. The beginning was slow but I gave it the time it needed. But the end was abrupt. It needed maybe one more chapter but it felt pushed together to hurry the end.

This will not be a story I recommend but it wasn’t a bad read either.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 21, 2017December 20, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wolf Hunger by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Hunger
SERIES #: SWAT #7
CHARACTERS: Max & Lana
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s all the wolf he’ll ever need

When SWAT Officer Max Lowry meets Lana Mason, he falls fast and hard. He’s positive she’s The One. And Max’s favorite part? Lana’s a wolf shifter too, so they can skip the awkward reveal and head straight to the happily ever after. There’s just one problem: Lana doesn’t know that she’s a werewolf.

To make matters worse, hunters with intent to kill have tracked Lana to Dallas. Max has to figure out how to keep Lana safe, show her who and what she really is—and just how much she means to him.

SWAT Series:
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)
Wolf Hunger (Book 7)

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the seventh in the series. And I really enjoyed it. Max and Lana are just perfect for each other. This story has some really really funny moments. And some really really sexy moments.

Being the 7th in the series I really suggest reading them all before this one but I guess you could read it as a stand alone but I really do not recommend it. The background story is on going and is best to understand from book one.

I think the characters are great. Lana and Max have some adorable moments that just made me want to melt for them. So sweet. And yet Max seems to be a big kid at heart. And the background characters are just as fun. The action is well action packed. There is a lot going on and the tension stays high during all of these moments.

A great paranormal romance.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 20, 2017December 19, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews We’ll Always Have Christmas by Jenny Hale

TITLE: We’ll Always Have Christmas
CHARACTERS: Noelle & Alexander
AUTHOR: Jenny Hale
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An enchanting story about the magic of Christmas, the importance of family, and the joy of falling in love during the most romantic season of the year…

Christmas has always been a special time for Noelle Parker. Winter evenings spent with family and friends, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies at her family’s cozy bakery have shaped her love for all things festive. But this year everything is changing…

The beloved bakery is facing closure and Noelle needs a miracle to save Christmas.

Determined to raise funds for the family business, Noelle sets about revamping the bakery while juggling a surprise new job, caring for the elderly and cantankerous William Harrington in his luxurious, sprawling mansion.

As Noelle melts the frostiness of the house with cake baking, snowball fights and glittering decorations, she helps William to reconnect with a romance that has spanned decades and unexpectedly finds herself falling for his grandson – the gorgeous but mysterious Alexander Harrington…

In the countdown to Christmas, can Noelle save the bakery, reunite a family and create some magical memories of her own along the way?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Ooooooh this story just gets to the heart. I just loved William. Yes he is a cranky old man but he is also sweet and I would love to sit with him listening to his stories. I can just see sitting in front of a Christmas tree and having his eyes glaze over with memories of the past.

Alexander is an interesting character who has his own issues but somehow worms his way into your heart and Noelle is just wonderful. I enjoyed all the parts of this story. It is perfect as a holiday tale. I can actually see it as a made for tv movie.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 19, 2017December 18, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Staircase by Deryn Lake

TITLE: The Staircase
CHARACTERS: Helena & Hal
AUTHOR: Deryn Lake
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Helena had always been haunted by the dream of the staircase.

It prevents her from forming any real relationship with a man, because who could live up to the haunting, handsome figure that awaits her at the top of the staircase?

When her on-off boyfriend and childhood sweetheart Hal takes Helena on a romantic trip to Paris, he offers her a final ultimatum, and she is suddenly forced to decide between dreams and reality.

But, as her two worlds begin to collide, Helena begins to realise that everything is not as it seems – and that some dreams are nightmares…

Another heart-warming spooky novella from the master of romance Deryn Lake, The Staircase will have you gripped until the very last word.

REVIEW:
I am truly on the fence with this book. The idea was great. Even a bit original. The characters were just well boring. They had no well…. Character.

Nothing seemed real with the characters. But the story was a bit intriguing.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 15, 2017December 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Twisted Truths
SERIES #: Blood Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Noni & Denver
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You can’t escape the past . . .

Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count–and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago, a man who broke her heart. But with Talia’s life on the line, Noni needs his help now more than ever–and this time, she won’t take no for an answer . . .

The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they’ll use anything–and anyone–to get to Denver.

With twists and turns that will blow you away, TWISTED TRUTHS is sexy, action-packed suspense at its very best from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Denver! Finally Denver’s story. Through the last two books we have known that Denver has only loved one woman and walked away from her. Even though he thought it was for the right reasons it broke his heart as much as hers.

But now Noni is back and Denver will do what he needs to do to protect her. Her life is in peril and he will do anything he can to protect her and maybe even win her back.

Man I loved this story. Zanetti has a way of bringing a character to life and since the beginning we have waited to hear Denver’s story. And now that it is finally here it is bittersweet. Why? Because we have heard all the stories of these Blood Brothers which means the end of the series.

You can never go wrong with reading Zanetti’s books but this is one of my favorite series by any author. Not to be missed.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 13, 2017December 10, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman

TITLE: A Second Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Melissa & Daniel
AUTHOR: Kathryn Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Do you believe in Father Christmas?

For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.
And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.
But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true …

REVIEW:
I have not read a book by Freeman before but this will not be my last one. This is a sweet holiday story about finding the Christmas spirit and gaining faith in Santa.

When William, a 5 year old, is told by her own father at that Santa isn’t real the life of William and his mom, Melissa, is turned upside down. Jump two years later and William is starting to blossom after the devastation of his parents divorce.

Then Daniel comes onto the scene and not only falls for William but Melissa. When William writes to Santa asking for two things but will only discuss one the life of the three of them in again turned upside down… or is that right side up?

Great story with a great message. William breaks my heart but also makes me fall in love with Christmas all over again.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 12, 2017December 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Devil Of Dunakin Castle by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Devil of Dunakin Castle
SERIES #: Highland Isles #4
CHARACTERS: Grace & Keir
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Englishwoman, Grace Ellington, has made a home in Scotland, but to escape from the meddling people around her who seem to think she needs to wed right away—because women need saving, right? —she volunteers to journey north to aid a friend in childbirth.

Keir MacKinnon, the younger brother of the MacKinnon clan chief, has been raised to strike fear in people, on and off the battlefield. Trained to uphold MacKinnon law, he has hardened into a lethal warrior. Caught in a Highland blizzard with the feisty Grace, Keir realizes the beautiful woman who saved him can also save his nephew’s life.

Sparks fly when he takes her against her will to his home, and Grace’s courage is put to the ultimate test. Is Keir MacKinnon the passionate, kind man she saved in the Highland blizzard, or is he truly the cruel executioner who seeks to solve all issues by the sword?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the 4th in the series but the first one that I have read. And it made me what to go back and read the first three in the series.

Grace may be one of my favorite female characters in a while. She is shy and reserved but wants to come into her own and have an adventure but of course it goes wrong. She is almost attacked by a wolf, is caught in a blizzard and then kidnapped by Keir to force Grace to help his dying nephew.

So much adventure and ups and downs and yet the story is one of love. Not just romance but love of family as well.

I loved this story. I can’t wait to go back and read the other three stories. Yes this was able to read as a stand alone but I know the other stories will be worth the read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 8, 2017December 6, 2017

Kelly reviews The Kidnapped Bride by Molly Harper

TITLE: The Kidnapped Bride
SERIES #: Desert Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Dora & Khalil
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Swept away by the passionate Prince Khalil Khan, Dora Nelson reveled in her new fairy-tale life as princess of El Bahar. But once she learned that the love and affection Khalil had showered her with were a sham, she refused to bend to his will. For he’d tricked her, and she couldn’t forgive him….
But she also couldn’t stop loving him. More than anything else, Dora wanted a happy home and an adoring husband. Still, when Dora’s feistiness met Khalil’s arrogance, sparks flew. And unless Dora and Khalil agreed to meet halfway, this fiery marriage threatened to consume them both!

REVIEW:
So this is a re-release from Susan Mallery and she has come a long way since this book. While it might have been better if I wasn’t comparing it to Mallery’s current reads this just didn’t add up to me.

I am not a fan of the whole sheik romance but since this was Mallery I picked it up. And to tell you the truth it was a bit cheesy and I believe unintentionally funny.

Not one of my favorite but still an ok read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 6, 2017December 5, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Merry And Bright by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: Merry and Bright
CHARACTERS: Merry & Jayson
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas is the season of the heart, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber is here to warm yours with a delightful holiday novel of first impressions and second chances.

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her–minus her photo–and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects–or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet yet unoriginal story. From the first paragraph the reader knows exactly what is going to happen. And while that doesn’t mean this story isn’t good it is obvious.

I was hoping for a little more when I saw that Debbie Macomber wrote this story. Her name is synonymous with Christmas romance novels but this one was short and unrealistic. And unfortunately I just didn’t get the enjoyment I hoped I would.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 5, 2017December 4, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Wardrobe by Deryn Lake

TITLE: The Wardrobe
CHARACTERS: Rebecca & Greg
AUTHOR: Deryn Lake
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It was the flat Rebecca and Greg had dreamed of finding; a beautiful conversion in a big Victorian house. The huge mirrored wardrobe that the builders couldn’t shift only seemed to add to its charms…

But soon their dream turns into a terrifying nightmare. As Rebecca delves into the dark circumstances surrounding the mysterious murder of George Carthew in the same house a hundred years before, she finds herself surrounded by echoes of the crime. Carthew was victim to slow arsenic poisoning, and now Greg is struck with a horrible wasting illness. Carthew’s beautiful widow, Charlotte, was suspected of the gruesome crime but never convicted, and now Rebecca wakes in terror to find reflection of strange women in the wardrobe doors…

That old wardrobe, a relic of the Victorian days, seems to be the only remaining witness to the crime and Rebecca becomes convinced that all these years later, it could still hold the key to the murder.

Another classic of love, loss and the past manifesting in the present from master Deryn Lake, this story of murder unsolved will have you gripped from beginning to end.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of about 50 pages. It is a quick read and yet very interesting. The wardrobe is a relic with much mystery surrounding it. When Rebecca starts looking into the history of it there is way more than she would expect and it begins affecting her and Greg.

For such a small story it really pulls a punch. Great book!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.